In ‘The Heat,’ Avoiding Ugly Ways of Too Many Women

IT really doesn’t matter that so much of the dish on “The Heat” is cool. So, what? It is predictable, formulaic and coarse.

Melissa McCarthy sprays her surroundings with the f-word as if she is passing out business cards at a sales convention. Yes, all of that foul language is tiresome. Sadly, the film lacks too many genuinely funny moments.

But it’s summertime and the livin’ is easy, so “The Heat” gets a pass. This is a perfect film for the weekend before Independence Day weekend. (See video above).

What really matters, though, about “The Heat,” which opens nationwide today in the United States and also stars Sandra Bullock, is that it is a female buddy film, almost a rarity in Hollywood. Just as important is that its protagonists are two women who don’t engage in ugly who’s prettier politics.

Though these two law enforcement professionals – one is a Boston cop; the other is an FBI agent – mesh like oil and water or a cat in water, they respect each other. Otherwise, it would be a little difficult to bring to justice the wayward drug kingpin evading their grasp … More shortly

"The Heat" is rated R for pervasive language, strong crude content and some violence; visit http://www.theheatmovie.com/ to learn more about the film.

Fetching Little Find$$$ in Shecky'$ Clo$et

Red Rain Jumpsuit has wide leg and bandeau bra. In polyester/jersey. Photo from Shecky's Closet.

THE Red Rain Jumpsuit from Nikki Poulos is so now! Walk into a cocktail party wearing that little number and risk being flooded with compliments and side-eye envy.

And the Rae in Tetris dress from Myne is just too cute.

Both of these little affairs are currently hanging around in Shecky’s Closet. So … maybe you lack the means to rent Rodarte or you simply don’t wish to sizzle in Celine, Calvin or Carolina. You have an interest in up-and-coming or emerging designers.

Then in Shecky’s Closet is a place to be. Think of it as a more affordable Rent the Runway. Like RtR, one must become a member to have shopping privileges. (See video above to learn about joining Shecky's Closet; http://www.renttherunway.com/rtr_home).

Shop to your heart’s content (and within your budget)!

Visit http://www.sheckyscloset.com/ to learn more about Shecky’s Closet.

Burglary Prevention Month: Into Minds of Those Who Do Crime

WHO knew? Generally, male burglars are more deliberative about their crime, whereas female burglars act on impulse.

These are among some of the findings of a University of North Carolina at Charlotte researcher who went to the primary sources to understand what motivates perpetrators.

Interesting information to ponder particularly during June, which is National Burglary Prevention Month. (See burglary prevention tips in video above.) … More shortly.

Forbidden Fruit Abundant in 'Far From Heaven'

BY TAMARA BECK

PLAYWRIGHTS Horizons’ many forays into the musical have always been disappointing. Sadly, “Far From Heaven,” based on the Todd Haynes film, proves to be no exception.

In fact, the low expectations this reviewer had going in for "Far From Heaven," playing through 7 July, were exceeded. Richard Greenberg's book stays completely true to the TH motion picture, with music by Scott Frankel and lyrics by Michael Korie. None of this adds much to the rather thin tale. (See video above).

As "Far From Heaven" opens, Cathy Whitaker (Kelli O'Hara) is a typical and very conventional New England housewife circa 1957, enjoying the beauties of her home and family. At its close, she seems to have been cast out of Eden to wander the earth alone.

Forbidden love between Cathy (Kelli O'Hara) and Raymond (Isaiah Johnson) is blooming in "Far From Heaven." Photo by Joan Marcus.

Here’s a second spoiler alert for those not familiar with the film, Cathy's story can be summed up as: my husband, Frank (Steven Pasquale), is gay and I'm in love with the gardener, who is shockingly, a black man named Raymond (Isaiah Johnson) … More shortly.

'The Bling Ring' Has Power to Inspire and/or Deter

NOT only is everybody in the United Sates famous – know anyone who does not have a reality show? If not, stay tuned. Soon they will. – everybody is decked out in designer threads.

The culture has become so label-obsessed that some people actually equate good character with one’s ability to turn oneself out in Armani, Birkin, Chanel, Dior, Escada, Fendi, Gucci and others along the alphabet. That is, one is probably a good person, one probably wouldn’t lie, cheat or steal if Hermes is on his or her back.

Confucius begs to differ: “The Master said, ‘A true gentleman is one who has set his heart upon the Way. A fellow who is ashamed merely of shabby clothing or modest meals is not even worth conversing with’.”
(Analects 4.9)”

The irony, of course, is that many turned out in Issey Miyake are lying, cheating and stealing and may not be worthy of engaging in conversation. Perhaps, they didn’t go into Bergdorf Goodman and lift any Jill Sander. But they may have foregone paying rent to own some Kenzo or maxed out their credit card to traipse around in Lanvin. In effect, they have robbed Peter to pay Paul for Missoni.

But some do the brand of lying, cheating, stealing that gains the attention of law enforcement. This is the case in Sofia Coppola’s “The Bling Ring.” It opens nationwide today and had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. It is based on real-life events. (See video above).

“I thought the whole thing was so fascinating and so contemporary and said so much about our culture today,” the daughter of Francis Ford has said by way of explanation for her attraction to this story.

The story is that for nearly a year, a group of celebrity-mad teenagers – yes, teenagers – burglarized the homes of Los Angeles stars, separating people like Paris Hilton (who among other victims, makes a cameo appearance in “The Bling Ring”), Orlando Bloom and Megan Fox from their high-end possessions. They didn’t sell them; they wore them. And what a novel idea to use the Internet to learn the whereabouts of the targets so they could go shoplifting!

Paris Hilton and companion at premiere of "The Bling Ring." Photos from "The Bling Ring" Facebook page.

This film, whose biggest star aside from those making cameos is Emma Watson, Hermione Granger from the "Harry Potter" film series, should be a cautionary tale. The teens got caught mainly through stupidity, youth or both and are paying for their crimes. But it may very well have the opposite effect. SC’s province is that of exquisite high-living such as in "Marie Antoinette."

Her portrait of Los Angeles neighborhoods – she filmed some scenes in the homes of some of the victims – is so enticing that lost in translation will likely be the notion that crimes are being committed and someone has to pay for them. Such is the state of mind of some that they might chance a stay in the big house to look as if they stay in a big house.

Nicki aka Alexis Neiers (Emma Watson) is not yet in Imelda territory but is amassing quite a shoe collection in "The Bling Ring."

Tragically, this it the state of the culture in the United States and increasingly around the world where capitalism and consumerism are allowed to run amok. Legions have inextricably entwined their self-worth and self-esteem with their ownership – by any means necessary, if necessary – of designer labels. And who can blame? Who can blame the kids who founded “The Bling Ring?”

Personal responsibility, notwithstanding they live in a corporate-controlled, mass-media culture that asserts in myriad and sundry ways that not only are you nobody if you’re not sporting Noten, Dries Van, you are no account, good-for-nothing – a creature to be despised and trampled on by Oscar de la Rentas.

Bling Ringers going to court to answer for their then-alleged crimes.

“Fight Club” author Chuck Palahniuk makes an astute observation: “We're consumers. We are by-products of a lifestyle obsession. Murder, crime, poverty, these things don't concern me. What concerns me are celebrity magazines, television with 500 channels, some guy's name on my underwear …”

Very bad news indeed.

”The Bling Ring” is rated R for teen drug and alcohol use, and for language including some brief sexual references; visit http://WWW.theblingring.com/ to learn more about the film.

What's for Breakfast? Avocado Frittata for Starters.

Avocado And Feta Frittata. Photo from Avocados from Mexico.

WHEN most people, at least in the United States, think about how to eat avocados they think guacamole or salad. In effect this fine fruit with Mexican roots is rendered to the category of dip, condiment and salad ingredient.

‘Tis a pity, because there are myriad ways to enjoy avocados, including as a breakfast food. In California, which produces most of the avocados consumed in the United States, June is avocado month.

Seems no other place decided to give it its own month. Not even Mexico, which is the home of the avocados called for in certain dishes about to be revealed. That written, breakfast won’t be ruined if an avocado from elsewhere is substituted.

Why not celebrate Avocado Month by commencing the day with an Avocado and Feta Frittata:

6 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 avocado, halved, pitted, peeled and cubed
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/3 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 tablespoon oil
2 cups baby arugula, divided

Hass avocado. Photo from Hass Avocado Board Web site.

Preheat broiler. In a medium bowl, beat eggs with salt and pepper. Stir in half of the avocado, half of the feta and half of the tomatoes; set aside. Heat oil (can be from the tomatoes) in a 9-inch oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Stir in 1-1/2 cups of the arugula until wilted, about 30 seconds. Add beaten egg mixture.

Cook until eggs start to set, lifting sides a bit to let uncooked egg run underneath, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and tomatoes. Transfer skillet to broiler. Cook until eggs are set, 1 to 2 minutes; remove from broiler. Sprinkle with remaining avocado and arugula. Serve hot.

YIELD: 4 to 6 servings

Perhaps time does not allow for a meal as elaborate as a frittata. Perfectly understandable. Not a problem when it can come in the more portable form of an
Avocado Lime Yogurt Parfait:

Avocado lime yogurt parfait. Photo from Avocados from Mexico.

1 avocado, halved, pitted and peeled
2 cups vanilla yogurt
1 tablespoon lime juice
1-1/2 teaspoons grated lime peel, divided
3 cups diced fruit
1 cup granola
YIELD: 4 servings

Is that grumbling? About fat, yes? That is correct. Avocados are high in fat. But it’s the heart-healthy unsaturated fat in the main, and everyone should consume some amount of fat. This is breakfast, after all, the meal that one should eat like a king/queen, leaving ample time in the day to burn off those calories. Moreover, avocados are high in fiber; they have cholesterol-lowering properties; they are packed with vitamins and contain potassium.

Avocado toast with fried egg. Photo from Avocados from Mexico.

With those bonafides, the morning meal calls for Avocado Toast With Fried Egg

4 slices bread
2 avocados, halved, pitted and peeled
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 fried eggs*

Toast bread; set aside. In a medium bowl, coarsely mash avocados with salt. Spread toast with mashed avocado and top with fried egg. Season with salt and pepper.
YIELD: 4 servings
*For scrambled version, top avocado toast with a slice of tomato and 4 scrambled eggs

Avocado toast with scrambled egg. Photo from Avocados from Mexico.

A common misconception is that avocados are mainly the province of Mexico and California. How far from the truth! Avocados have gotten around and have different shapes and colors, depending on where they are grown, though most are descended from the California Hass variety. It has an oval shape and pebbled black skin.

Avocados are enjoyed as dessert and savory concoctions in Argentina, Australia, Ethiopia, Ghana, Morocco, India, Indonesia, Vietnam and numerous other countries. In parts of India, avocados are popular as milkshakes. Not so different from an Avocado Pineapple Smoothie:

1 fully ripened avocado, halved, pitted, peeled and diced
1 (20-ounce) can pineapple chunks in juice
1 cup ice

Avocado breakfast smoothie. Photo from Avocados from Mexico.

In blender container, combine avocado, pineapple and its juice and ice; whirl until smooth. Sweeten with honey or sugar if desired.
YIELD: 4 cups

A savory breakfast along the lines of what the minimalist Ghanaian do at any meal – with avocado on bread, period – with a few more add-ons is Bagels and Lox with Avocado Spread. The avocado replaces the cream cheese or butter for diary-free diets.

4 bagels, split
2 avocados, halved, pitted and peeled
4 teaspoons lemon juice
8 slices smoked salmon
4 slices red onion

Bagel and lox with avocado spread. Photo from Avocados from Mexico.

Toast bagels; set aside. In a medium bowl, coarsely mash avocados with lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Spread bagels with mashed avocado; top with salmon and onion.
YIELD: 4 servings

Basically, this is an exercise in “pimping” your avocados. As guacamole and in a salad is fine, but isn’t a frittata so much sexier?

Happy avocado month!

One Million-Plus Reasons FIT Should Be in Stitches

Tony Bennett stands up for his good friends George and Mariana Kaufman at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) Gala 2013. Photos by Owen Hoffmann, Patrick McMullan Company.

10 June 2013/NEW YORK – THE Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and the FIT Foundation have got to be happy campers.

If not, ‘tis a pity. Not only did their annual gala Monday night at Cipriani 42nd Street attract big names, it also attracted big spenders.

The school and foundation have an extra $1.2 million to go about their work of developing good talent who may make a name for themselves like Carolina, Michael and Calvin (http://www.ow.ly/lxTn6)

Are FIT Gala honoree Kay Krill and Karolina Kurkova grinning because they know something that no one else does?

Honored were three individuals who have supported the efforts of the FIT and/or undertook initiatives to promote distinct design and fine fashion. George Kaufman (Kaufman Organization chariman), Kay Krill (President and CEO ANN INC.) and Stefano Tonchi (W magazine editor-in-chief) were the honored guests.

The trio was introduced by Tony Bennett, Karolina Kurkova and Jessica Chastain, respectively.

Joan Smalls, Peter Dundas and Gala chairperson Yaz Hernandez turn out for the FIT.

Exciting news was also broken when honoree KK disclosed to the room holding Reem Acra, Francisco Costa, Nanette Lepore, Ralph Rucci, Joan Smalls and several hundred others, that ANN INC (Ann Taylor, Loft) will establish an annual scholarship to be awarded to one FIT student who exhibits a passion for designing fashion for women.

Sew good!

Visit http://www.fitnyc.edu/14212.asp to learn more about the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) Gala 2013 and the FIT Foundation.

'Man of Steel' Has Selective Memory and Action Aplenty

A film franchise reboots and the result is “Man of Steel,” the latest in the “Superman” series.

“Man of Steel” goes back to the future, revisiting Krypton, the homeworld of the humanoid infant Kal-El aka Clark Kent who would be snatched from the jaws of death and relocated to Earth’s heartland and raised by Smallville, Kansas couple, Jonathan and Martha Kent (Kevin Costner and Diane Lane). (See video above).

The Zack Snyder-directed film, which opens in the United States, today has amnesia as it regards its critically-acclaimed predecessor, “Superman Returns” (2006), which also had its amnesia around what came before it.

This most recent attack of (selective) memory loss, though, has everything to do with the disappointment of Warner Bros. over box office receipts of “Superman Returns.” They were around $400 million with an “M” worldwide instead of the $500 million that the Suits were hoping for.

Mind-boggling for sure, but it’s the film bidness where greed is good. “Man of Steel” is fair, with moments of an exquisite abundance of action and obscene absences of story. Those ramped-up action sequences, meant to appeal to young males, will very likely get Warner Bros. the results it desires.

“Man of Steel” has a cast nearly as strong as its hero. KC has gotten good notices as Clark’s father. Amy Adams shines as Lois Lane. Other principals onboard for the ride are Russell Crowe as Jor-El, Laurence Fishburne as Perry White and Michael Shannon as General Zod.

“Man of Steel” is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence, action and destruction, and for some language; visit http://www.manofsteel.com/index.html?home to learn more about the film.

‘Gonna Walk the Night’ With Haleh Nematzadeh?

The Haleh Nematzadeh Spring/Summer 2013 collection is a journey into forbidden places. Photos from Haleh Nematzadeh Web site.

A cursory glance at the gold necklace, black cropped sheer sleeveless jewel-neck top with attached black leather bra could suggest that the ensemble is communicating a disturbing message.

And so it does. Fashion is a form of artistic expression and that expression can take many forms – delightful, disturbing and many markers in between. Haleh Nematzadeh’s Spring/Summer 2013 collection, a multimedia affair called “Gonna Walk the Night,” takes its inspiration from the more problematic elements along the human continuum.

Her own p.r. fairly sums it up: “an autobiographical, film-like journey of a young woman peering into the underbelly of civilization, while exploring what is generally considered painful and taboo in our society.”

A viewer may wonder what experiences inspired the Tehran-born New Yorker to create an orange chiffon empire waist dress that has a black hand covering each breast. Perusing this 15-piece collection is an experience more akin to visiting an art gallery.

Questionable clothing: A slave to what? Fashion? Someone else's desires?

Are the black hands a metaphor for the darkness of forbidden sex, whether it be rape, incest or through forced prostitution. Do they represent evil corrupting purity. Are they protectors – bodyguards? Whoever wears this frock will be a walking conversation piece.

Same story for the individual got up in the plastic dress with front leather detail and white nipple pads. It simultaneously conjures up notions of the Borg and fierce Klingon women … More shortly

Visit http://www.haleh.tv/ to learn more about Haleh Nematzadeh Spring/Summer collection and other ventures.

Couture Council Shops Michael Kors B4 B-Day

Michael Kors and Couture Council Luncheon co-chair Jieun Wax wearing MK pre-fall. Photos by Jonathan Ziegler, Patrick McMullan Company.

MEMBERS of The Couture Council of The Museum at FIT were like kids in a candy store. Or is that like fashion mad and savvy women in a clothing store?

In any case, it went down at the (upper) Madison Avenue Michael Kors boutique last night for a very special presentation of the designer’s pre-fall collection.

For that odd time of year when it is not quite cold but not exactly warm, MK suggests sleek and chic sportswear in silk, leather, light wool and tweed. The color palette skews toward the pink family and black with here and there a splash of green and yellow. And the accent color: white!

Plum print dress with white accents: rimmed cat-eye sunglasses, clutch and pumps.

The man in white pants made it clear to his all front-row audience that the old adage about closeting white after Labor Day is about as stale as white bread. Many of the ensembles fairly popped with the hue along the lines of belts, pumps, purses and cat-eye sunglasses.

All of the jollification was a runup to the big day (B-Day). Quite a bit of chatter and serious deliberation there was about what would be the outfit to wear. A few ladies – and these were mostly ladies, with a smattering of men and fashion boy wonder with the lone name, Tenzin – arrived already got up in pre-fall finery.

Yaz Hernandez and Alexandra Lebenthal sitting pretty at Michael Kors in Michael Kors.

No doubt, they will choose something different for a couple of months out so as not to be captured in photographs or cited by the fashion cops for wearing the same outfit, not that there is any harm in it, of course.

The bigger worry is probably showing up on B-Day in the same outfit as someone else or vice versa. Even in the face of such a daunting scenario, accessories can make all the difference, no?

Incidentally, B-Day is 4 Sept., the day before the official start of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week New York. On B-Day, however, The Couture Council bestows on MK its increasingly prestigious Artistry of Fashion Award at the annual Couture Council Luncheon.

Michael Kors demonstrates the convertible nature of his pink/fuchsia sweater by adjusting the collar lower on the shoulder for an evening look.

Upon receiving the award, the legendary FIT alum will join some pretty august company, including last year’s recipient Oscar de la Renta (http://www.bit.ly/P4zktC). Others so honored are Karl Lagerfeld, Ralph Rucci, Isabel Toledo and Valentino.

Visit http://www.fitnyc.edu/3525.asp to learn more about The Couture Council of The Museum at FIT and Couture Council Luncheon.

Celery, Cilantro and Cloves Have Something on Cancer

A daily dose of apples can be good medicine. Archive photos.

AN apple a day keeps the doctor away. Everybody knows that, right?

But does everybody know that an apple a day can very possibly keep cancer away (among other debilitating illnesses). Same deal for celery, cilantro, cloves and numerous other herbs, spices and foods. All contain the natural flavonoid apigenin, which partners with myriad proteins to do its good work.

A recent study by Ohio State University researchers has revealed that apigenin zaps cancer cells of the power to live after their normal life cycle and makes them more susceptible to the effects of drugs used in chemotherapy. All the more reason to swap out colas for chamomile tea and reach for an orange over an Oreo.

Chamomile tea soothes the soul and heals the body.

“We know we need to eat healthfully, but in most cases we don’t know the actual mechanistic reasons for why we need to do that,” said Andrea Doseff, associate professor of internal medicine and molecular genetics at Ohio State and a co-lead author of the study.

“We see here that the beneficial effect on health is attributed to this dietary nutrient affecting many proteins. In its relationship with a set of specific proteins, apigenin re-establishes the normal profile in cancer cells. We think this can have great value clinically as a potential cancer-prevention strategy.”

Titled “Molecular basis for the action of a dietary flavonoid revealed by the comprehensive identification of apigenin human targets,” the findings are published in the online edition of the journal “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences … More shortly.

Visit http://www.bit.ly/16awcD9 and/or http://www.bit.ly/13AxEha to learn more about the study.

'Much Ado About Nothing' Is Really Something Else

PERHAPS had "The Great Gatsby" (http://www.ow.ly/kU8b0) come wrapped in modern clothing like "Much Ado About Nothing," a certain someone would have liked it so much better.

Joss Whedon's present-day treatment of the Shakespeare classic opens today in Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco. It had its world premiere at the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival. "Much Ado About Nothing" is fun, fun, fun! (See video above).

Of course, virtually everybody knows that in the end bickering Beatrice and Benedick will wind up together. The delight, though, is in seeing the circuitous, contemptuous journey that Amy Acker and Alexis Denisof, respectively, take to reach that destination.

Ditto for Don John's (Sean Maher) dastardly scheme to destroy his host, Leonato (Clark Gregg), by any means necessary, including using the man's poor, innocent daughter, Hero (Jillian Morgese), as collateral damage.

Comparisons to Kenneth Branagh's critically acclaimed 1993 film are inevitable but not relevant; KB hued much closer to the original text.

JW’s “Much Ado About Nothing” has greater kinship with another Shakespeare work that was infused with modernity: 1996’s “Romeo and Juliet” starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes in the lead roles. There, of course, the similarities end. The latter is a weighty tragedy, while the former is a frothy comedy that keeps the laughter happy and bright.

All's well that ends well. And so is "Much Ado About Nothing."

“Much Ado About Nothing is rated PG-13; visit http://www.muchadomovie.com/#home to learn more about the film.

The Real Problem With Cheerios Ad Is the Cereal

NO doubt, Chirlane McCray voices the sentiments of many about a certain ad for a breakfast cereal that’s been making waves:

“19 years of marriage and two children later, this is the first TV commercial I have ever seen with a family that looks a little bit like ours.”

In her global email, she is referring to the increasingly infamous Cheerios ad that features an interracial family. The company refuses to kill it despite an outcry from dubious corners. And why should it? First, it is so tender. In this case, out of the hands of babes. Surely General Mills won’t do away with the ad because a few bigots have been spewing invective because it features a black man/white woman married couple. (See video of ad above).

Chirlane, Bill and Dante de Blasio are an embodiment of the Cheerios commercial. Photo from Chirlane McCray.

And let’s be clear. Make no mistakE. Had it been a white-identified man and a black woman – in the case of CMcC and Bill de Blasio, a candidate for the mayor of New York City – the hue and cry would not be nearly so cacophonous, if at all.

Ditto for white man/Asian woman, black man/Asian woman, white man/Latino-Blatino woman, Asian man/black woman. Just about any iteration except the most provocative of all. This is the United Sates of America, and it is what it is.

Not all of the ingredients in Cheerios are nearly as smart as Whole Grain Oats. Photo from General Mills.

“As an interracial couple, we sometimes felt conspicuous – which was painful. If you're in love with someone, you're in love with someone,” CMcC shares in the email. “But Bill and I believed it would get better over time, and we hoped for our kids it would be easier. That's why the Cheerios ad is so refreshing."

Guest what is the lone ingredient in the original Post Shredded Wheat? Photo from Post.

Interestingly, the invective is not directed at the real culprit. Specifically, some of the ingredients that Cheerios uses in its so-called heart-smart cereal. The first, Whole Grain Oats, is fine because whole grains are high in fiber.

Fiber does all sorts of good. It aids digestion, reduces the incidence of some cancers and reduces heart disease, hence the Cheerios heart-smart palaver. However, it is offset by the addition of Modified Corn Starch and the preservative Tocopherios, not to mention a little too much sugar and salt.

The mandate at Barbara’s Bakery is to produce healthy foods that are delicious, including its High Fiber cereal. Photo from Barbara’s Bakery.

CMcC’s and all other families would be more hearty if they replaced Cheerios with the original Post Shredded Wheat or the original Barbara’s Bakery High Fiber. Neither contains detractors such as tocopherios.

Visit http://www.bit.ly/11ZratV to learn more about Post Shredded Wheat; visit http://www.bit.ly/18WCDgJ to learn more about Barbara’s Bakery High Fiber.

Face It. To Brad Pitt&Co., You Are Forgettable

Don't take it personally if Brad Pitt doesn't remember who you are. Photo from Brad Pitt Facebook page.

PLEASE note that Brad Pitt is not dissing you or otherwise being a jerk. There is a perfectly logical explanation, besides his self-diagnosed prosopagnosia, that he can't remember you to save his life.

His forgetfulness may have more to do with his gender than the aforementioned brain disorder that causes face blindness.

Research from Canada’s McMaster University contends that women remember faces better than men because unbeknownst to them they pay more attention to the features of others.

“Our findings provide new insights into the potential mechanisms of episodic memory and the differences between the sexes,” Jennifer Heisz, an assistant professor in McMaster’s kinesiology departmentat and study co-author told the university's news service. The results are published in Psychological Science. “We discovered that women look more at new faces than men do, which allows them to create a richer and more superior memory.” (http://www.bit.ly/8lc3yd)

It is not likely that BP’s partner, Angelina Jolie, has this issue and the resultant fallout. "So many people hate me because they think I'm disrespecting them," BP disclosed to Esquire magazine in an interview promoting his new film, “World War Z, about a zombie pandemic that threatens to destroy the world. The film had its world premiere in London on Sunday (2 June), premiered in France yesterday, and will continue its rollout across the globe later this month through mid-August.(See video above).

Continued BP: "Every now and then, someone will give me context, and I'll say, 'Thank you for helping me.' But I piss more people off. You get this thing, like, 'You're being egotistical. You're being conceited.' But it's a mystery to me, man. I can't grasp a face, and yet I come from such a design/aesthetic point of view."

Participants in the McMaster experiment were shown faces on a computer screen while eye-tracking technology took note of where – eyes, mouth, nose – they looked on an individual face. Each face was given a name that participants were tasked with remembering. Basically, women paid more attention and had more recall.

“But this strategy operates completely outside of our awareness,” JH asserted. “Individuals don’t usually notice where their eyes fixate, so it’s all subconscious.”

Scanning patterns of a female and a male when viewing the same face for the first time.

And it can also be taught. To that end, BP need not despair. Indeed, he and others similarly afflicted can be taught a few techniques that will improve their face recognition abilities.

“The results open the possibility that changing our eye movement pattern may lead to better memory,” said study co-author David Shore, a McMaster psychology professor. “Increased scanning may prove to be a simple strategy to improve face memory in the general population, especially for individuals with memory impairment like older adults.”

A few scanning exercises may be just the thing to get BP out of the house more often. He also revealed to Esquire that he doesn’t venture out much for dread of encountering yet another face he does not recognize.

Not exactly a sustainable face-saving technique.

Many in Tony Race. Will 'Kinky Matilda' Walk All Over Them?

Tony nominee favorite Cicely Tyson and Cuba Goofing, Jr. in "The Trip To Bountiful." Photo by Joan Marcus.

BY TAMARA BECK

THERE are amongst us those for whom handicapping the Tonys is a sport no less exciting than the Mets-Yankees matchup!

Some will say, as our friend, W does, that the nominations are meaningless. Some object year after year to the choices the nominating committee makes. Many endeavor to see every play and musical on the list.

For theatergoers, the Antoinette Perry Award For Excellence in Theatre is a celebration of achievement and the culmination of a great Broadway season. Nominations are announced amid much speculation some 40 days before the ceremonies. The official website of the American Theatre Wing’s Tony Awards features a countdown to The 2013 Tony Awards.

The ceremony hosted by Neil Patrick Harris airs at 8 p.m. EST on Sunday, 9 June on CBS (http://www.tonyawards.com/index.html).

As is customary, there are rumored shoo-ins before the announcements and post-announcement rivalries. Either “Kinky Boots” or “Matilda The Musical” is said to be a runaway for “Bests” this year.

And the categories are … There are actually 26, not unlike the National Hockey League’s democratic playoffs that assure almost any production in a Broadway theater before the deadline will be in the running. Among main categories are Best Play, Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre. Each has four prospective winners. There are no runners-up.

Tracy Letts and Amy Morton aka George and Martha in “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf.” Photo by Michael Brosilow.

In The Best Revival of a Play slot the excellent “A Trip To Bountiful” hounds this reviewer’s personal favorite of the season, “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf.” Not that the “Bountiful” production isn’t terrific. Or that “Golden Boy” was anything but a letter-perfect period-true revival of the Odets’ classic. So all that said, my money is on “Virgina Woolf.”

In the Best Actress in a Play category, I’m going with Cicely Tyson, while plucking Danny Burstein for Best Actor in a Featured Role in a Play for his superb turn in “Golden Boy.”

In the Revival of a Musical slot, let’s give odds to “Pippin,” though “Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella” looks good, too. Speaking of “Pippin,” bets are on 2011 nominee (“Sister Act”) Patina Miller for a Best Actress in a Musical despite some stiff competition from Valisia LeKae as Diana Ross in “Motown The Musical.”

/>Prince Topher (Santino Fontana) and his Cinderella (Laura Osnes) in the much-nominated “Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella.” Photo by Carol Rosegg.

The biggest money is always on Best Musical. So “Kinky Boots” or “Matilda?” Go with “Kinky Boots.” It’s got a book by Broadway fave Harvey Fierstein with music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper, actress, activist, Grammy and Emmy winner.

Another one for “Kinky Boots” in Billy Porter as Best Actor in a Musical for his high-heeled lead in “Kinky Boots.” He edges out “Matilda’s” Bertie Carvel who gives him a good cross-dressed run for the prize.

Best Play? Not “The Assembled Parties,” about an affluent Upper West Side Jewish family Christmas. It’s merely OK.

Truthfully, this reviewer has not viewed the other ponies in this category, but let’s give the sentimental edge to “Lucky Boy” from the late, beloved Nora Ephron. “Lucky Boy” stars the always lovable Tom Hanks in his Broadway debut as a hardhitting New York reporter.

OK, that’s a wrap. May the best win!

Visit http://www.tonyawards.com/index.html to learn more about “The 2013 Tony Awards,” including the complete nominees’ list and how to access a “Racing Form.”